Mae Hjelle, 77, died on Monday, May 19, 2008 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Friday, May 23, 2008 at Westaker Free Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN with Rev. Phil Rokke. Burial will be in Bjorsness Cemetery, New Folden Township, Marshall County, MN.

Visitation will be from 5-7, Thursday, May 22, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

Mae Opal Hjelle was born on June 1, 1930 in Newfolden, MN, the daughter of Oscar and Selma Hjelle. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. Mae attended school in Newfolden, graduating from Newfolden High School in 1948. Following high school, Mae worked at the Viking Telephone Company, and she started working for Northwestern Bell in 1950 and worked at the telephone office in Thief River Falls as an operator for 32 years. She retired in 1981. Many people comment on their conversations with Mae while they were waiting for their party to connect on the telephone. She was recognized for 10 straight years of perfect attendance.

Mae was devoted to her family. She shared a loving bond with her brother and sisters and they were always close and cared for each other. Maes nieces and nephews always called her Macey. She loved to follow the nieces and nephews achievements through elementary, high school, and college.

Mae is survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Virgil and Marville Hjelle of Thief River Falls, MN, two sisters: Vernace Stokke of Thief River Falls, MN; Ardelle Hjelle of Thief River Falls, MN, several special nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Maxine Prickett, June Hjelle and Amy Hjelle, two brothers Roger Hjelle and Orville Hjelle, two brothers in law, Percy Stokke and Robert Prickett.

ORGANIST:
SOLOISTS: Marlys Olson Precious Memories
SPECIAL MUSIC: Clark & Ryan Hjelle Jesus loves the older folks
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: What A Friend We Have In Jesus, Rock of Ages
CASKETBEARERS: Clark Hjelle, Ryan Hjelle, Bryon Stokke, Douglas Olson, Casey Kayser, Gerard Novak, Robert Olson, Shaine Olson, Troy Hjelle
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: All of Maes friends in attendance